This year’s IAAPA Attractions Expo in Orlando, Florida, has proved to be the organisation’s most successful show ever, with a record 39,000 people attending the landmark event.

Taking place between 13-17 November, buyer attendance increased 12 per cent over 2016’s numbers, generating an estimated US$51.3m (€43.5m, £38.7m) for the Orlando economy as buyers discovered the latest technologies, discussed trends and hot topics and tasted new foods during the five day show.

“It’s been a great week,” said IAAPA president and CEO, Paul Noland, speaking to Attractions Management. “We’ve been thrilled with the show floor, all the events and our attendance is up considerably, which shows the fundamental optimism that’s still here for the growth in the industry.

“Our events have been great, we had a terrific IAAPA Celebrates at Animal Kingdom with 3,000 people attending. People seemed really happy and we’re very happy with how it’s come together.”

Educational sessions at the Expo proved a huge success this year, with 13,523 people taking part in 138 different education experiences over the week. Included among the speakers were Merlin Entertainments CEO Nick Varney, who delivered the keynote address at the GM and Owners' Breakfast, and Village Roadshow Theme Parks COO, Bob White, who spoke about handling a crisis in the world of social media.

IAAPA’s support during the show for Give Kids the World proved a success, with US$123,000 (€104,000, £93,000) raised for the charity through its annual golf tournament, motorcycle ride, fun run and walk, as well as individual and corporate donations. Give Kids the World’s Pamela and Henry Landwirth were also recognised for their work with the charity, being named members of the IAAPA Hall of Fame along with Puy du Fou’s Phillipe De Villiers and music composer Richard Sherman.

Check back with Attractions Management and AM2 for all the latest news coming out of IAAPA 2017.